{"id":52745,"date":"2025-04-25T22:08:17","date_gmt":"2025-04-26T02:08:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hancockhealth.org\/mayo-health-library\/vaginal-odor\/"},"modified":"2026-02-04T12:11:48","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T17:11:48","slug":"vaginal-odor","status":"publish","type":"mayo","link":"https:\/\/www.hancockhealth.org\/zh\/mayo-health-library\/vaginal-odor\/","title":{"rendered":"Vaginal odor"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Vaginal odor is any odor that comes from the vagina. The vagina usually has only a mild odor or sometimes no odor at all. A “fishy” smell or other strong vaginal odor might mean there’s a problem.<\/p>\n

Conditions that cause a strong vaginal odor might also cause other vaginal symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation or discharge.<\/p>\n

If you have vaginal odor but have no other vaginal symptoms, it’s unlikely that the odor is cause for concern. You may be tempted to douche or use a vaginal deodorant to decrease vaginal odor. But these products may actually make odor worse and cause irritation and other vaginal symptoms.<\/p>\n

Vaginal odor can change from day to day during the menstrual cycle. An odor might be especially noticeable right after having sex. Sweating also can cause a vaginal odor.<\/p>\n

Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria typically present in the vagina. It’s a common vaginal condition that can cause vaginal odor. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, also can lead to vaginal odor. A yeast infection usually doesn’t cause vaginal odor.<\/p>\n

Possible causes of unusual vaginal odor include: <\/p>\n